The 26 atolls (ring-shaped reefs) are home to over 1190 islands and countless dive sites. These idyllic islands offer some of the most stunning scenery and underwater sights in the world. A prime location for unforgettable scuba diving trip containing around 3% of the world’s coral reefs.

Scuba diving in the Maldives is strictly regulated and limited to 30 meters. All divers should have proper certifications to enjoy diving around the islands.
Divers should note that this is a luxury experience and is much more expensive than diving in other parts of the world. It gets slightly cheaper around July and Augst when with the price also the visibility decreases. There’s also the rainy season between May and November. The visibility is not as good at this time and there may be strong SW winds. Nevertheless, it’s a great time to spot manta rays at the Manta Point on Baros. The best time to visit the Maldives is from December to April. But the good season also means higher prices. During this time the wind blows from the NE. Those looking to strengthen their skills or enjoy drift diving can visit the islands in May when the weather gets rough and the currents are strong.
Because of the depths and currents, intermediate level or experienced diver will enjoy the dive sites more. But there is also a lot to see and enjoy also for beginners and snorkellers.
Divers can expect to spot plentiful pelagics like reef sharks and whale sharks. Moreover, the Maldives hosts the world’s largest known population of reef manta rays and a large population of oceanic mantas.
The Maldives has beautiful underwater passages where the atoll meets the ocean and is the gateway to the atoll. Underwater photographers will appreciate the geography of these areas that are full of caverns, swim-throughs, undercuts, and overhangs full of colorful sponges and astonishing marine life. And there are also beautiful pinnacles attracting a lot of marine life. These pinnacles of rock vaulting up almost to the surface are locally known as ‘Thilas’. These formations are important as they bring water up from the ocean bottom against their walls, feeding the sponges and soft corals that cling to its sides as well as creating an environment that supports a plethora of crustaceans and schools of resident fish.
There are a few shipwrecks but they are not very unique or particularly exciting.
Manta rays are, by far, one of the most famous attractions for divers who visit the Maldives. It’s almost guaranteed to spot one during a dive around the Maldives. Sometimes they gather as many as 200 at a time! And they can reach an incredible 8 meters in length and weigh up to 2,300 kilograms. To enjoy this unique experience make sure not to miss the Addu Atoll which a famous cleaning station for manta rays where they allow smaller fish to consume the algae and parasites that they have collected on their body and within their gills.
Apart from seeing whale sharks and manta rays diving on Maldives is a veritable feast of many different species such as gray reef, whitetip, nurse, thresher, hammerhead and even tiger sharks. But these are just sharks, there are also more than 600 species of exotic fishes divers may spot.